Take free Diabetes test, MP urges residents

Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has organised for charity Silver Star to bring their Mobile Diabetes Unit to two high street locations which will offer free Diabetes tests to all residents.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body loses its ability to convert glucose into energy and affects around 3 million people in the UK. Its symptoms can affect a person’s quality of life and while it cannot be cured, it can be treated successfully.

While it affects around 12% of Londoners, the rate is 17% among the Turkish speaking community in the capital.

Mr de Bois said, “Diabetes is a serious problem in the UK and disproportionately affects people from the Turkish speaking community. As an MP I want help raise awareness of the condition but also do something practical to help”.

The Mobile Diabetes Unit will be offering a free diabetes test, which can be completed within 3 to 5 minutes and the results given immediately. Experts are then on hand to offer further advice and answer questions.

There are a number of reasons why cases of Diabetes are higher in people from the Turkish speaking community, including differing diet and lifestyle but also because public awareness and information fails to reach particular communities because of the language barrier.

Mr de Bois added, “Diabetes rates could double in the next 10 years. This will mean it will affect the quality of life of more and more people but also place a greater burden on the NHS. I would urge anyone to take advantage of the free test and encourage their family members and friends to do so too”.

Dr Kamalendu Chatterjee of Riley House Surgery, Hertford Road said, “This is a very important idea from our local MP. Diabetes is something that we need to raise awareness of in the local community. Having this test can tell very quickly if you have diabetes and if you do your GP can then manage your treatment. Diabetes can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and if you do have it then it can be managed quite easily but it is important to get tested first”.

The Mobile Diabetes Unit will be on the corner of Brick Lane and Hertford Road, EN3 on Thursday 31st January between 10.30am and 12.30pm. It will then be at the Co-op supermarket on Hertford Road (opposite Ordnance Road library) between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on the same day.